The original article appeared on my Quora blog on TOEFL topics.
So, you are ready to take the big step to validate your level of English through the TOEFL exam.
Congratulations!
The following bit of advice is in a question and answer format. Plus, you get certain links to other materials to help you.
Before you jump into the test preparation, you should know these 7 aspects to have more success.
First, I’m Professor Winn. I have taught English online and offline for about 10 years. During that time, I’ve helped students achieve their personal and professional goals through TOEFL and IELTS success.
Meanwhile, check out these seven (7) aspects to consider if you are beginning or currently studying for a high score on the TOEFL exam.
If you have a specific TOEFL question, ask it in the public forum so other test candidates can benefit. Select me to answer it. I will try my best.
1. Are you really committed to TOEFL excellence?
Are you mentally and physically ready for the TOEFL exam preparation regimen? The test is demanding – to think fast and make decisions. The test is long – over 4 hours. Are you ready for such an exam? If your motivation and passion are high enough, you will be better prepared for studying to notch an optimal score on the TOEFL test.
2. Do you have time to study for the exam?
Depending on your current level of English, you may need more time than others to be ready for the exam. You should start at least 3 months before your test date. Any less time is a roll of the dice. The TOEFL is expensive. It will be costlier to retake the exam (and add delay to achieving your goals) if you have to present the exam again. When I prepare students for TOEFL excellence, one of my principles is to help students to just take the test once and then get on with their lives!
3. Are you well read in English?
Do read widely and extensively English newspapers, journals, history and scientific texts? How easily are you able to understand what you read? How fast do you read? The faster you can process information on the exam the more time you have to find the correct answer without a rush. Plus, reading is fun! Get more TOEFL reading advice.
4. Are you familiar with the format of the TOEFL iBT?
Of course, you are tested on the four language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing. However, you also need to have good grammar and vocabulary (see #5 below) skills. Remember, Academic English is tested on the TOEFL. Plus, you need to be highly able in what I call the “hidden skills” like outlining. The more you know about the exam questions – and expected answers – the better you will do on exam day! Check out more of the TOEFL iBT format on the official ETS page.
5. Do you have a strong English vocabulary?
Building sufficient word power is another reason to not rush your TOEFL prep. If you are at the point of presenting the TOEFL, your lexicon should already by rather vast – and growing. Are you articulate in English – speaking as well as writing? Devote enough time every week during your TOEFL prep to building word power. A suggested text is: Grow Your Word Power: 301 Useful Vocabulary Terms.
6. Do you speak English clearly?
In my TOEFL prep course, students often want to work on two parts of the exam the most: speaking and
writing. Remember, the overall goal in any language is to understand and be understood. The clarity of your oral and written communication is therefore very important. The 6 TOEFL Speaking questions test the following: 1) how well you answer the question and complete the task, 2) the grammar and vocabulary you use, and 3) how well the person scoring the test can understand you. If you have doubts about your ability to pronounce English well, check out Rachel’s English YouTube Channel as well as AccurateEnglish.
7. What is your support structure for acing the TOEFL iBT exam?
Are you using the Kaplan TOEFL prep book? Are you taking classes at a local institute? Or are you
investing in an online course with an experienced TOEFL teacher? It can be lonely and overwhelming
preparing for the TOEFL by yourself. You should consider a support base during your prep time.
And one more thing… Believe in yourself!
Confidence is contagious. You’ve spent long hours for years learning English to prepare for this moment – to show the world how great your English skills are. Part of the mental preparedness mentioned in #1 above is your belief that yes, you are able to achieve your goals. Yes, you notch an optimal score on the TOEFL. Just like an athlete ready to run a marathon, play the World Cup, or climb a mountainside, always believe your English is top notch and work hard to make it so!
Confidence is contagious. You’ve spent long hours for years learning English to prepare for this moment – to show the world how great your English skills are. Part of the mental preparedness mentioned in #1 above is your belief that yes, you are able to achieve your goals. Yes, you notch an optimal score on the TOEFL. Just like an athlete ready to run a marathon, play the World Cup, or climb a mountainside, always believe your English is top notch and work hard to make it so!
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